State leaders meet to discuss mental health resources for veterans

BOSTON (WWLP) – Veterans experience a much higher suicide rate than the general population.

On Monday, state officials met to discuss mental health efforts to support Massachusetts' veterans.

This roundtable discussion focused on identifying ways that state and local organizations can provide appropriate programming to help veterans through hard times. Jon Santiago is a veteran and a former state lawmaker who now serves as the Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans' Services.

Santiago says suicide is one of the biggest concerns he hears about from veteran's families.

"One thing that I was not expecting in this position is the number of calls I would get from family, friends, and loved ones expressing to me concern about their veteran," said Santiago. "Their, brother, their sister, their father who is going through some issues and at times may have committed suicide or thought about it."

The event also featured speakers from different veteran support organizations, including the VA in Boston. One speaker said taking care of mental health involves some non-medical factors.

"It's the community networks, it's making sure that veterans have a roof over their head, food on their table, gainful employment, and meaning and purpose within their communities," said Dr. John Bradley, the Director for Mental Health at the VA Boston Healthcare System.

All the panelists agreed–the first step in helping veterans is to get them connected with the right resources. They encouraged families of veterans to seek help if they need it as well.

Veterans and their families can reach the Veteran Crisis Line by calling 988 then pressing 1, or by texting 838255.

Local News Headlines

State lawmaker on prison attack: "they must be held accountable at all costs"

Opioid epidemic still rising, 187 lives lost daily

State leaders meet to discuss mental health resources for veterans

Big E recap and plans for next year

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.